PEOPLE living near one of the region's most picturesque landmarks have said anti-social behaviour is blighting what should be a popular area of Addlestone.

The residents of Bourneside Road have raised concerns to the police about problems at Coxes Lock and mill pond at the end of their street.

They said youngsters were drinking and being abusive to dog walkers and other people using the area.

Problems have escalated during the recent hot weather with some youths also being seen using the lock for swimming.

Concerns were first raised with police at a recent neighbourhood panel meeting.

Peter Holloway, 40, lives a few hundred metres from the lock. He said residents were frustrated at how a naturally beautiful area was being spoilt.

He said: “A lot of people in the area think this is a beautiful place to go, particularly during summer.

“The problem is there are some youths that hang around there and drink during the day. This can, on occasion, make them abusive to passers-by.

“It is also very frustrating. It is such a lovely area and, over the past few years, local residents have helped to clean it up. So when they see it getting littered it is quite upsetting.”

Coxes Lock is run by the National Trust although swimming offences are governed by local bylaws.

The trust has worked in the past to clean the area, occasionally with local residents, erecting fences for security reasons.

Mr Holloway, who visits the lock about every two weeks, said: “It's more anti-social behaviour than crime at the lock, but it's still not nice for residents.

“There is a real sense of frustration that a beautiful area that should be enjoyed by everyone is being ruined slightly.”

A spokesperson from Surrey Police added: “The warmer weather has seen an increase in youths gathering in the area and there have been problems with littering and reports of youths jumping into the water.

“This matter is a priority issue for the Addlestone North and Bourneside Safer Neighbourhood Team and officers will continue to carry out regular high visibility patrols in the area.”

PC Claire Lowe, the neighbourhood specialist officer for the area, said: “We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour in or around Coxes Lock and we will take appropriate action against anyone found to be causing problems in the area.

“We are working closely with residents and the National Trust to prevent further incidents in the area and ensure Coxes Lock remains a pleasant and enjoyable space for members of the public to use appropriately.

“Police would strongly advise against anyone entering the water from both a personal safety point of view and the possible risk of picking up disease and illness from bacteria in the water.”